idiomaatilised

Idiomatilised (idiomatic) expressions are fixed or semi-fixed phrases whose overall meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of their individual words. In linguistics, they are studied within phraseology as a major source of figurative vocabulary. The Estonian adjective idiomaatilised is used to describe this property in Estonian, but the concept exists across languages and is commonly referred to simply as idiomatic expressions.

Key features include semantic opacity (non-literal interpretation), conventionalized usage, fixed or highly constrained word order, and cultural specificity. While many idioms look superficially transparent, their figurative sense is established by speakers of the language rather than by the literal meanings of the words. Modern usage can vary, with some expressions becoming more productive or changing slightly over time.

Classification commonly distinguishes pure idioms (fixed phrases with a non-literal meaning), semi-idioms where part of the phrase remains open to alteration, and metaphorical or institutionalized phrases that have become lexicalized. Idioms differ from collocations in that their meaning cannot be inferred from component words, while collocations reflect habitual co-occurrence.

Translation and language learning present challenges: direct, word-for-word rendering often fails, requiring target-language idioms or explanations. Dictionaries and corpora document idioms and their usage, including regional variations and register.

Examples include: "kick the bucket" (to die), "spill the beans" (to reveal a secret), "break the ice" (to initiate conversation and ease tension), "piece of cake" (something very easy).

See also: Idiom, phraseology, fixed expression.